Metal Slug 7 - Nintendo DS

[Detomah]

There has been a fairly long wait, especially after being teased by the Japanese version being released earlier, but with less than a week to wait, with a release date of 27th February 2009 and using the same tried and tested formula that has served so well to date, SNK have yet again got it very right with Metal Slug 7 and it has been well worth the wait, even though this latest release has been designed especially for the Nintendo DS from scratch.

If your new to the Metal Slug series which has been going for well over a decade now, you are in for a real treat, as the simple yet familiar addictive game play that fans of the series have grown accustomed too is there for all to see. What can be more simple than pumping the enemy full of metal on foot or in your choice of vehicle and just wait till you get your hands on the Metal Slug.

Metal Slug 7 does start out rather slow, moving as always from left to right, you start out in a cavern, killing anything that moves or dares to look at you, this may seem a little tame, but this is just the taster for what is to come. Once you enter the third mission you will have a big grin on your face and of course a lovely metal slug to play with. The remaining stages give you no reason at all to think about putting the game down, offering a variety of challenges and enemy to enjoy and conquer. You get to use a parachute, come face to face with a rather vicious insectoid and even meet up with a familiar old acquaintance later in the game.

The DS copes perfectly well and the hardware doesn't groan at any point, even when the screen is flooded with enemies and various effects such as explosions, waterfalls, gorgeous backgrounds and a variety of other yummy effects. the downside to the game being on the DS, isn't with the game itself or the DS, it is simply that they do not make full use of the technology available. Two player multiplayer fun has been a must and is sadly missed and the touch screen functionality is limited and under used. However, regardless of these minor niggles, this is a game well worthy of the title Metal Slug 7 and as always, the game play is fantastic, the action as frantic as ever, the carnage will have you drooling and it has to be said that this is one of the best 2D arcade action games available for the Nintendo DS.

For hardcore fans of the Metal Slug series, it's not just about staying alive and getting to the end of the game, it's about getting as many points as you possibly can. The rush blaster system will really fuel that motivation. Performing repeated set attacks within a set time frame pushes up the rush blaster meter and this can dramatically improve the score you get, from double points right through to the 16x multiplier when the meter gets full and flashes. The downside though is that you basically can't complete against others, because there is no multiplayer leaderboard. Of course in this digital age, you could take a photo of it as proof and make up your own leaderboard to compete against friends.

Even once you have completed the game, you can take a walk down to the combat school, do some training missions and have a bit of fun with Cynthia the gorgeous drill instructor. Not really essential, but well worth the time if you get to the top.

Of course, don't take our word for it, take a look at the eye candy and visit the official Metal Slug 7 website to see some nice in game footage...



For product details and buying information for Metal Slug 7 and the rest of the Metal Slug series, take a look at TFs shopping section.